]]>The Bordentown, N.J. Petro crew believes their customers are so nice they honor them with Customer Appreciation Days. The crew always looks for new ways to make these events fun. For this summer’s celebration, store general manager Rosario Chiarella found inspiration right at the roller grill.

“We put together a hot dog eating contest for drivers, and it was really a lot of fun,” says Chiarella. “The winner walked away with an iPod Nano and a very full stomach.”

Even drivers who didn’t compete got plenty to eat. Hamburgers, chips and more were handed out to the drivers who stopped by.

While everyone at the Bordentown Petro enjoys the customer events, the attempt to keep drivers smiling goes on year-round.

“We treat drivers better than they’re treated at home. If not, they would just stay home,” says Doug Smith, Iron Skillet general manager and a former trucker himself. “I know what drivers expect because I was one.”

B-ball break

If drivers don’t happen to roll in on Customer Appreciation Day, there are still plenty of activities to keep them entertained at the Bordentown Petro. The most popular is the full basketball court surrounded by picnic tables. Whether they hit the enclosed court for a friendly game or just sit by and watch the players, customers always have a great time.

Food, glorious food

A chef is now stationed at the all-new buffet at the Iron Skillet every evening. Drivers can still find their favorite buffet dishes, but now also have the option to ask the chef to concoct personalized pasta dishes or stir-fry made to order from a wide choice of fresh ingredients.

Snap happy

The salad bar always impresses with its incredible variety of fresh veggies and prepared salads. Drivers have been known to snap a photo or two of the healthy noshes displayed on the bar.

Tasty delight

Some diners may be able to resist the desserts on the buffet or from the menu, but temptation still awaits. At the Iron Skillet register, customers will find hand-dipped Breyer’s ice cream available. A scoop, milkshake or sundae treat often leave drivers with a kid-like grin, and that’s the perfect end to any Bordentown Petro visit.

]]>http://roadking.com/uncategorized/having-a-blast/feed/0Good Eatshttp://roadking.com/uncategorized/good-eats/ http://roadking.com/uncategorized/good-eats/#commentsWed, 05 Jan 2011 20:22:34 +0000http://roadking.com/?p=4453Most people don’t think about their eating habits until they put on a few extra pounds, but the food we eat has a direct effect on our health and how we feel. Poor decisions at mealtime can lead to serious medical conditions, such as pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

]]>Most people don’t think about their eating habits until they put on a few extra pounds, but the food we eat has a direct effect on our health and how we feel. Poor decisions at mealtime can lead to serious medical conditions, such as pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“We all fall into habits,” says Bethany Thayer, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and manager of wellness and program strategies for Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Mich. “They can be healthy or unhealthy.”

The key to changing a bad habit is being conscious of it and planning ahead to make a better choice. Think it sounds too tough? Here are some simple dietary tweaks you can make today to improve your health:

Eat smaller amounts more frequently. Drivers often fall into the habit of eating one or two large meals because they’re doing so much driving. But those who eat larger meals to save time often make less-healthy choices. What’s more, a larger meal sends blood rushing to the digestive system, making it harder to stay alert. “The brain needs a constant supply of glucose,” Thayer says. “By eating every three to four hours, you’ll feel better, think better and be more alert. You feel better when you’re eating on a regular schedule.”

Kick your nutrients up a notch. Add veggies when you eat at a restaurant. You’ll not only boost your intake of valuable vitamins and minerals — which may help prevent cancer and stroke — but also add much-needed fiber, which can help ward off ailments such as constipation, diverticulitis and diverticulosis. “Add lettuce and tomato to a sandwich, or have some cucumbers and green peppers,” Thayer says. Be a bit adventurous. Look beyond the usual choices at the salad bar and throw in some broccoli or cauliflower florets for added crunch and a boost of vitamins C and A. And while you’re at it, grab some fresh fruit for dessert.

Watch out for hidden salt. Processed foods are often high in sodium and low in potassium, both factors that contribute to high blood pressure, according to Thayer. Though dietary guidelines recommend no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, it’s not uncommon for Americans to ingest between 6,000 and 10,000 milligrams per day.

To easily slash sodium, try to eat more foods in their natural state. For example, a cucumber contains just 12 milligrams of sodium, Thayer says, but that same cucumber pickled has a whopping 785 milligrams. Swap out salty chips or a side order of fries for steamed vegetables or a salad with dark leafy greens, and you’ll easily reduce your sodium intake. Plus you’ll boost your iron intake, which helps ward off fatigue caused by anemia. If eating veggies is a struggle, ask for your favorite low-sodium salad dressing on the side, and dip each bite individually instead of smothering your entire serving. You’ll get flavor without loading up on extra calories, fat and sodium.

Overhaul your liquid fuel. Coffee and caffeinated beverages can improve alertness, but too much caffeine can raise blood pressure and have a dehydrating effect. It’s important to stay hydrated on the road not only for alertness, but to avoid constipation. Consider limiting artificially-sweetened sodas, which may cause a decline in kidney function. Your best bet? Plenty of water. Water flushes toxins out of the body and helps keep the ears, nose and throat moist.